We Need to Talk About AI

AI is already reshaping how we work, protect our privacy, and participate in society—yet most of us never get a seat at the table in deciding how it's built or used. This session creates that space. Equal parts salon and networking, Dihan Chandra invites you to shape the conversation: what we discuss is up to the group. There's no fixed theme or agenda. We'll start with what's on your mind and follow it. If you want a few places to begin, these are threads that tend to come up: Jobs & the future of work — What does AI actually mean for employment, and who gets left behind? Privacy & data — What does AI know about you, and who else has access? Environmental impact — What is the real carbon cost of AI, and what does responsible use look like? Digital democracy — Who gets to shape AI, and how do we make sure it reflects our values as a community? Something else matters more to you? Bring it. The point is to talk about what this group cares about most. Like every society-changing technology before it, what matters most is how we choose to use it. This session explores that idea together—examining both AI's real risks and its genuine potential, while building a collective sense of what responsible, human-centered AI could look like for our communities. No technical background required. Whether you're worried, curious, or somewhere in between, this is your invitation to be part of a conversation that affects all of us.